BEST BEACHES IN THE UK

After a long 2 months in lockdown, the moment Bo Jo announced we could travel for exercise I was googling the best beaches in Britain and was willing to follow the good weather wherever was needed. As many of us will not be traveling overseas for our summer holiday this year, now is the time to discover some of England's best beaches and invest back in our own economy.

Now I know what you're thinking, when you think of English seasides all you can imagine is caravan sites, giant seagulls stealing your chips, tacky arcades and screaming children strapped into a pram all too small for them. However, with the list we've created below, you'll truly feel like you've been transported to Spain, Italy or Greece and all FOMO of travellers abroad will melt away with your £3.00 99 flake ice cream.

CORNWALL

KYNANCE COVE

Starting with the most southern beach on the list - Kynance Cove - one of the prettiest coves in Cornwall, with its brilliant turquoise water and white sand, you can see why we couldn't wait to shout about this one first.

Things To Do

At low tide you can walk amongst the beautiful rock formations, discover hidden caves and the small islands up close, however you need to keep an eye on the tides as it is possible to get cut off.

Dog Friendly?

Dogs are allowed on this beach anytime outside of 1st July and 31st August. Facilities include toilets a cafe and a National Trust car park.

ST IVES

This picturesque fishing harbour and town has been voted the best family holiday destination alongside top 10 European beaches and you can see why.

This To Do

Meander round the cobbled streets, independent shops and white washed fishermen cottages in the heart of the town before heading down to the soft white sand beach to relax and swim in the crystal clear water. There are plenty of places to anchor down for the night from 5 star hotels to sweet self-catering cottages, so definitely something for everyone.

Dog Friendly?

Dogs are allowed to be walked on the beach before 10am and after 6pm.

ROCK

The village of Rock has a very upmarket reputation with it regularly being a holiday destination for celebs and the odd royal! The estuary is a long stretch of golden sand backed by rolling sand dunes heading out to the ocean.

Things To Do

The town beach front is popular with swimmers and sun worshippers whist the estuary is favoured by yachtsmen and water sports lovers. The town has a lively selection of bars and restaurants to dive into after a long day of sunbathing and yachting...because it's a hard life and someone has got to do it!

Dog Friendly?

Dogs are welcomed on the beach all year round.

DEVON

SALCOMBE

Arguably one our favourite places in the UK, this gorgeous estuary is surrounded by quaint villages, rolling hills of countryside and stunning beaches.

Things To Do

Take to the water and hire a boat, kayak or paddle board for the afternoon to discover the smaller, quieter coves and escape the crowds. Weather you're looking to stay a night or a week, choose between simple surroundings or luxury hotels, Salcombe looks beautiful from any window you choose..

Dog Friendly?

Dog are allowed on the many beaches all year round!

BLACKPOOL SANDS

Not to be confused with Blackpool Beach, this sheltered bay near Dartmouth in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is backed by lush green forests with a clean and well managed beach and clear blue seas.

Things To Do

Kayaks and paddle boards are available for the adventurous whilst on land you can visit the Blackpool Gardens; a secret garden with stunning views of the bay below. Facilities include toilets, beach cafe and an on duty lifeguard.

Dog Friendly?

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the beach at anytime.

BIGBURY BEACH

Yet another beach in an AONB, this soft sand beach has shallow waters for paddling and rock pools for tuning into your inner David Attenborough and assessing the local wildlife.

Things To Do

Visit Burgh Island by unique sea tractor or walk across the causeway at low tide. The high winds makes this beach popular with windsurfers and kite surfers. Facilities include beach cafe, toilets and a lifeguard during the summer months.

Dog Friendly?

Dogs are allowed but only on certain parts of the beach, so be sure to check this before making the trip with the pup in tow.

DORSET

DURDLE DOOR

If you're looking for dramatic coastline, this is the place to go.

Things To Do

Hike the tall white chalk cliffs and overlook the famous rock formation below before walking down to the pebble beach and searching for fossils! This part of the Jurassic Coast is the most photographed and iconic landmarks due to the unusual limestone arch and is a World Heritage Site.

Dog Friendly?

This beach has no toilets and no lifeguard but dogs are allowed all year round.

LULWORTH COVE

A hop, skip and a 15 minute walk from Durdle Door you'll find Lulworth Cove. This beautiful oasis was formed during the ice age and is a great spot for swimming and relaxing.

Things To Do

The picture-perfect town is filled with quaint thatched cottages and plenty of cafes offering fresh sea food for lunch. Make sure to take a hike round the side of the cove towards the mouth and take in the gorgeous views of the beach and town below.

Dog Friendly?

Dog are allowed on the beach all year round.

SUSSEX

Seven Sisters Cliffs

Located outside of Eastbourne, the white chalk cliffs tower over the pebbled beach below and are the perfect backdrop to your day at the beach. The Seven Sisters Cliffs are within the South Downs National Park so you can hike/scramble to the top of these cliffs and walk all the way to Eastbourne or simply take in the view from above.

Dog Friendly?

Dogs are allowed on the beach and throughout the National Park, but do be aware there are farm animals grazing freely.

WEST WITTERING

London's answer to The Hamptons, the long stretch of golden sandy shores backed by grassy sand dunes and an impressive front line of property, it's a must visit. It's completely doable in just a two hours' drive from London, you'll skip the crowds and carnage found along some popular beaches nearby cough Brighton cough. The ocean is crystal clear and shallow for miles out to sea, perfect for children and families wanting to paddle in warm bathwater.

Dog Friendly?

Dogs are allowed on the beach but their are some restrictions during the summer months.

NORFOLK

HOLKHAM

This beach is so vast it is almost impossible for it to ever be overcrowded and is one of the largest stretches of unspoilt sand in the country.

Things To Do

You can walk along the shore to Wells-Next-The-Sea, past the iconic British beach huts and pop into the town before returning with your fish and chips in hand, ready to bunker down in one of the many accommodating sand dunes. Before you leave, make sure you explore the eerie yet breathtaking pinewood forest on your walk back too the car.

Dog Friendly?

Dogs and even horses are allowed on this beach all year round.

YORKSHIRE

RUNSWICK BAY

When we think of Yorkshire we imagine the rolling hills of the Dales, not beaches and coves, but this coastline is set to change one's mind. As the weather usually isn't always on your side up North, this sheltered cove is great for putting your biggest coat on and taking the dog on a long scenic walk. On the occasion the sun shows its face, the cove is popular with sailing clubs and fishing boats.

Dog Friendly?

Yes! Dog are welcome all year.

NORTHUMBERLAND

FARNE ISLANDS

These islands are a twitchers dream, with 23 species of birds calling this place home alongside 43,000 pairs of puffins, the rugged islands also house grey seals with over 2000 pups born in autumn each year. This cluster of islands off the coast of Northumberland was declared Sir David Attenborough's favourite place in the UK to see nature at its best. High praise indeed!